Diaper Rash Wonder

Anna got a diaper rash yesterday.

Let me rephrase that.  Anna's gotten this same very red but not bumpy diaper rash several times.  Every time in the past, it has taken forever to get this bugger to go away.

It showed up early yesterday afternoon but she didn't seem uncomfortable after a clean diaper and all the way into town.  But let me tell you, we got to lunch with BJ and she was NOT a happy little girl.  In fact she became increasingly uncomfortable and clingy and crabby.

Poor little girl...she cried and cried and cried in the car seat on the way to BJ's work, then cried and screamed and cried in my arms until he was done, then back in the car seat on the way to the Sunflower market.  You can imagine how I was feeling.

I really had no clue what to do for it, and even considered taking her to the hospital the way she was acting.  She would move her leg and literally scream when she did because it hurt so badly.  I found myself in tears...I really hate seeing my child in ANY pain, let alone this.

So, we talked to BJ's mom, hoping for a great idea...and mostly to find out if this was something I should take her in for or just ride it out.

After talking to one of the ladies at the Sunflower Market, she showed us which diaper creams were most popular and we decided to try one.  You know, those wonderful little natural creams that sometimes, depending on the brand, don't really work for actual diaper rash, but are great for the skin.

We ended up buying this one called "Calendula Diaper Care" by Weleda Baby.  And let me tell you....

As soon as we put it on her she calmed down.  She fell asleep on the drive home.  After a fun bath with some oatmeal bath stuff, we covered her little bottom with this Calendula stuff and put her to bed.  The outcome this morning??  That little rash was almost gone!  I can't even begin to tell you my relief!

Apparently, Calendula is quite the healing herb for the skin.  The little package insert says this about Calendula:

"For centuries, Calendula has been know as a medicinal plant for aiding the healing process of small wounds, red, inflamed skin and skin infections.  Due to its immune strengthening and antiseptic properties, Calendula also protects the skin against infection.  A monk once bestowed the plant with the beautiful name "Bride of the Sun," inspired by its colour and flowers, which follow the path of the sun."

Cool, huh?

Jerry Baker's "Herbal Pharmacy" says this:

"The natural medicine in this plant hangs out in its petals and flower heads.  This herb is used to stop swelling, ease spasms, stop bleeding, and fight germ warfare (namely bacteria, viruses and fungi).  It can boost immunity, too.  Not only does calendula treat hard-to-heal conditions like skin ulcers and herpes, but it can also leave your face with a clean, healthy glow and stop athlete's foot from attacking your toes!  Many generations have used calendula to clear up acne, mend minor cuts and scrapes, and take away the ugly blues of a bruise."

It seems this is also among those that will find it's way into my first garden this spring!  :-)